NEWS & NEW PRODUCTS
Both Canon and Nikon have revealed their plans for a pro-level full-frame mirrorless camera, probably firmly nailing the lid on the DSLR’s coffin in the process. Expanding the mirrorless lens systems is now the name of the game… Sony has just notched up its 64th FE-mount model and Fujifilm’s X-mount line-up is now at 39. Canon has launched a couple of supertelephoto primes to go with its upcoming sports-oriented EOS R3. Meanwhile, Pentax continues to doggedly mount the DSLR’s last stand, announcing a new APS-C crop-sensor flagship… funnily enough, the first Australian shipment sold out even before it landed.
Nikon has confirmed it has a professional-level Z-series full-frame mirrorless camera in the pipeline, with a launch date scheduled for some time later this year. The camera gets a model number – the Z 9 – and we know it will have a stacked backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, but that’s about it at the moment. However, the stacked sensor design suggests that the Z 9 will be built for speed, with a key audience being the many sports and press photographers who currently use Nikon’s top-end DSLRs. Nikon has also revealed that the Z 9 will be able to record 8K video, which implies it’ll likely also be able to do 4K at 50/60fps and the 100/120fps speeds for super slow-mo effects. The faster read-outs made possible by the stacked configuration – which includes built-in RAM – also enable faster autofocusing, another important feature of a camera designed for shooting sports and high-speed action. A no-blackout EVF – even at 30fps – will undoubtedly be part of the package.
The product image Nikon has also released shows that the Z 9 has an integrated vertical grip – also allowing for a high-capacity power supply – and there are control elements that the users of the D5 and D6 pro-level DSLRs will be familiar with. You can also expect a rugged, all-metal body with full weather protection, including for subzero temperatures. Given the apparent size of the Z 9, we suspect it’ll have dual CFexpress Type B memory card slots (so XQD cards can be used as well), rather than following Sony with the smaller-form factor Type A version.
Sony has used stacked BSI-CMOS sensors in a number of its more recent full-frame mirrorless cameras and, in the flagship Alpha 1, it allows a resolution of 50MP to be combined with a shooting speed of 30fps (and video at 8K/30p). There’s a good chance that the Z 9 will use a version of this sensor as Nikon has tuned Sony-made imagers to its own specifications in the past. However, there’s been speculation that Nikon may opt for a higher resolution – says 60MP – as a point of differentiation.
Nikon states, “The Z 9 embodies ultimate usability as a tool offering users an unprecedented imaging experience, from capture to workflow, exceeding that of previous digital SLR and mirrorless cameras”.
Whatever the Z 9 brings, it would seem to suggest that we won’t see another pro-level Nikon DSLR to succeed the D6, superb though it is. The gap in Nikon’s mirrorless camera numbering is now ‘Z 8’ and into this slot would have to go something with higher spec than the already hugely capable Z 7II… maybe something with the Z 9’s sensor, but not quite as super-fast and without the integrated vertical grip? All will eventually be revealed.